WhiskersUSS Kalinin Bay
The USS Kalinin Bay , a Casablanca-class escort carrier, served with distinction in the United States Navy during World War II. Commissioned in 1943, the ship participated in numerous campaigns across the Pacific theater, playing a vital role in the Allied victory.
Early History and Construction
The USS Kalinin Bay was laid down on December 10, 1942, at the Kaiser Shipyards in Vancouver, Washington. She was launched on April 30, 1943, and commissioned on June 28, 1943, under the command of Captain Robert A. Theobald. Like her sister ships in the Casablanca class, the Kalinin Bay was designed to operate as an escort carrier, providing air support and protection for convoys and amphibious operations.
The ship was named after Kalinin Bay, a body of water located in the Russian Far East, on the northern shore of the Sea of Okhotsk. This naming convention was common for the Casablanca-class carriers, as they were often named after locations in the Pacific region.
Combat Operations in the Pacific
Following her commissioning, the USS Kalinin Bay embarked on her first combat deployment to the Pacific theater. She joined Task Group 50.11, tasked with supporting the Allied invasion of the Gilbert Islands in November 1943. During the Battle of Tarawa, the Kalinin Bay's aircraft provided close air support to the Marines, while her anti-aircraft guns repelled Japanese air attacks.
Throughout 1944, the Kalinin Bay continued to support Allied operations in the Pacific. She participated in the invasion of the Mariana Islands, the Battle of the Philippine Sea, and the Leyte Gulf campaign. Her aircraft played a key role in disrupting Japanese communications and supply lines, while her deck was used to launch attacks on enemy naval forces.
The Battle of Okinawa
One of the most significant events in the Kalinin Bay's history occurred during the Battle of Okinawa. This brutal campaign, which took place from April to June 1945, saw some of the fiercest fighting of the Pacific War. The Kalinin Bay, along with other carriers of the 5th Fleet, provided air support for the landings on Okinawa and repelled numerous kamikaze attacks.
During the Battle of Okinawa, the Kalinin Bay was the victim of a kamikaze attack. On April 12, 1945, a Japanese suicide plane crashed into the carrier, causing significant damage and casualties. The attack resulted in the death of 12 crewmen and the injury of 33 others. The Kalinin Bay was able to remain afloat and continued her combat operations after repairs.
Post-War Service
Following the end of World War II, the USS Kalinin Bay continued to serve in the US Navy for a short period. She was decommissioned on February 9, 1946, and sold for scrap on January 26, 1947. Her service during the war earned her the Presidential Unit Citation and three battle stars.
USS Kalinin Bay Crew List
While a complete crew list for the USS Kalinin Bay is not publicly available, several resources provide information about the ship's personnel. The National Archives and Records Administration holds a variety of records related to the Kalinin Bay, including muster rolls and crew lists. However, accessing these records may require specific requests and research.
Other sources of information include historical societies dedicated to naval history and veteran organizations. The United States Naval Institute, for instance, holds a significant collection of naval records and publications, which may contain information about the USS Kalinin Bay crew.
It is also worth noting that family history websites and databases can provide information about individuals who served aboard the Kalinin Bay. Websites like Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org offer searchable databases of military records, including information about individuals who served in the US Navy during World War II.
Connections to Other Ships
The USS Kalinin Bay, as a Casablanca-class escort carrier, shared design and operational similarities with other ships of the class. One particularly notable example is the USS Gambier Bay , which tragically sank during the Battle of Leyte Gulf in 1944.
USS Gambier Bay
The USS Gambier Bay, also a Casablanca-class carrier, was deployed to the Pacific theater during World War II. On October 25, 1944, during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, she was attacked and sunk by Japanese cruisers and destroyers. The Gambier Bay was the only US Navy aircraft carrier to be sunk by enemy surface ships during World War II. This event was a major strategic loss for the Allies, as the Gambier Bay was a valuable asset in the fight against Japan.
USS Gambier Bay Wreck Depth
The USS Gambier Bay's wreck was discovered in 1988 by a team of underwater explorers. The wreckage is located at a depth of approximately 5,800 meters , making it one of the deepest known wreck sites in the world. The discovery of the Gambier Bay wreck is a testament to the power of human ingenuity and the enduring legacy of naval warfare.
USS Gambier Bay Crew List
Like the USS Kalinin Bay, a complete crew list for the USS Gambier Bay is not publicly available. However, resources like NARA, naval history societies, and veteran organizations may hold information about the Gambier Bay's crew.
The sinking of the Gambier Bay is a tragic reminder of the sacrifices made by American sailors during World War II. The bravery and resilience of the Gambier Bay crew, many of whom lost their lives in the sinking, deserve to be remembered and honored.
USS Kitkun Bay
Another ship that shares a connection with the USS Kalinin Bay is the USS Kitkun Bay . Like the Kalinin Bay and the Gambier Bay, the Kitkun Bay was a Casablanca-class escort carrier. She served in the Pacific theater during World War II, participating in campaigns such as the Battle of Okinawa and the invasion of Iwo Jima.
The Kitkun Bay was decommissioned in 1946 and subsequently sold for scrap. While her story is less dramatic than that of the Gambier Bay, the Kitkun Bay played a significant role in the Allied victory in the Pacific.
The USS Kalinin Bay, along with other Casablanca-class carriers like the USS Gambier Bay and the USS Kitkun Bay, contributed significantly to the Allied victory in World War II. Their service during the war was marked by bravery, resilience, and sacrifice. The stories of these ships and their crews serve as a reminder of the importance of freedom and the cost of achieving it.